QuoteReplyTopic: New Ozric Tentacles Box Set of First 6 Albums Posted: June 04 2013 at 10:59

Just saw this on their website.

This year Ozrics celebrate their 30th anniversary. To mark the date,
Ozrics are finally granting the wishes of many fans, by re-mastering and
re-releasing a series of classics from the catalogue, which have
previously been out of print for nearly 20 years. Ozric Tentacles
“Vitamin Enhanced” Box Set contains the entire first 6 albums recorded
by the band. These first six albums were originally only available on
cassette, handmade by the band, and only sold at festivals and concerts.
In 1993 these tapes were transferred to CD, and 1994 released limited
edition box set, only 5,000 copies of this package were ever made,
making it a rare treat for collectors. As time passed, with so many
other releases to focus on, these albums fell out of print and
distribution. Now they have finally been given the attention they
deserve, countless hours of audio and visual re-mastering have restored
this wonderfully unique package to a modern day standard that is sure to
please any fan.

Ozrics kick off their 30th anniversary tour in August with a run of
festival performances, where for the first time fans will meet the
band’s new drummer, Balázs Szende. “We’ve thrown some pretty tough
tracks at him for the next tour”, says Ed, seeming entertained by the
thought of the challenge he had set, “So far we’ve been amazed. He
really understands just what each part is trying to say, and when it’s
meant to say it. It makes things easy when that part comes naturally;
it’s something you just can’t teach.” Ozrics continue their Europe tour
starting October 10th, back home in Bristol, UK.

Last year saw a tumultuous upheaval for the group. Upon arriving home
from an extensive 40 date tour through North America and Europe, which
included debut performances in Russia, the group was immediately
evacuated from their home and studio. It was located directly in the
path of the most destructive forest fire in Colorado history. The band
had only moments to grab their most important possessions, before they
were escorted out by Police and National Guard.

Fans watched the fire’s progress as the band continued to their last
concert, a festival near Philadelphia, they were unaware of what would
happen, but fairly certain it wasn’t looking good. That evening, as the
band took the stage, the fire destroyed their home and studio as they
played, taking with it all of the bands past archives and masters. Those
who knew the circumstances described the performance as “a real life
tribute to the phrase: The Show Must Go On”.

I saw an original VE box at a local store a few months ago. Whilst tempted to get it, I remembered that I have a double-CD set of their first two albums and, honestly, find them rather dull! Their later (early CD period) stuff is better.

Have to admit, if this was at a fairly affordable price, I would love to fill a gap in my collection with those interesting, if inconsistent. albums!

Very excited to read the news about a new drummer! A chance for the band to climb back to great heights again, and even though the last few albums have still been fairly enjoyable, the overuse of programming had left them a little lifeless, so this new addition might help reverse that. They're just missing that old magic, but still plenty of potential with the band.

I miss Merv ... he gave the music some individuality that made it better, and was not just some silly/cheap metronome.

The music, since, has lost the personality that they had with John before. And I can see that they are improving, but the music has lost most of its soul and quality. For my tastes, it has become the Wynne Family Band, and I would prefer that they no longer use "Ozric Tentacles" anymore!

Before it was a ... trip! ... now it's just a song setting up Ed's solo!

... none of the hits, none of the time ... you will, eventually, find your own art inside! Try it! www.pedrosena.com

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